1. Fall Prevention Falls Are Preventable There are simple, key tips for you to follow to help prevent slips, trips and falls… so that you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life.

2. Depth of the problem One in four of the age of 60 One in three over the age of 65 AIHW: Bradley C 2013. Hospitalisations due to falls by older people, Australia 2009–10. Injury research and statistics series no. 70. Cat. No. INJCAT 146, Canberra: AIHW Over 60 Over 65

3. Transport Death 1,503 Accidental falls death 1,648 Transport vs Falls Australia 2010 ABS. 2010. Causes of death: Australia. http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/E39670183DE1B0D9CA2579C6000F7A4E/$File/33030_ 2010.pdf

4. Transport vs Falls Australia 2009 Transport 53,406 hospital admissions Average 4.4 days in hospital per case Accidental Falls 83,800 hospital admissions Average 15.5 days in hospital per case AIHW 2012. Serious injury due to land transport accidents, Australia 2008-09. Injury research and statistics series no. 67. Cat. no. INJCAT 143. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 5 February 2015. AIHW: Bradley C 2013. Hospitalisations due to falls by older people, Australia 2009–10. Injury research and statistics series no. 70. Cat. No. INJCAT 146, Canberra: AIHW

5. Transport 14% of injury related hospitalisations Falls 38% of injury related hospitalisations AIHW: Harrison, J (2012). Accidental falls the leading cause of injury hospitalisations in Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/media-release-detail/?id=10737422922 AIHW 2012. Serious injury due to land transport accidents, Australia 2008-09. Injury research and statistics series no. 67. Cat. no. INJCAT 143. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 5 February 2015. Transport vs Falls Australia 2009

6. Trip

7. Slip

8. Stumble

9. What is a fall? The World Health Organization defines a fall as: “ An event, which results in a person coming to rest unintentionally on the ground or other lower level”

10. Risk factors Balance Falls Medicines Age* Vision Gender* Vitamin D Home Hazards Footwear Mental health Personal * Non-modifiable Environmental KEY Weak legs

11. STAND STRONG Move Improve Remove Falls Are Preventable Here are some simple, key tips for you to follow to help prevent slips, trips and falls… so that you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life. Move your body: Build your balance Strengthen your legs Improve your health: Check your medicines Keep a healthy mind Fuel your body Remove hazards: Make your home safer Check your eyesight Wear safe footwear

12. Improve Your Health Looking after your health and wellbeing is essential at all ages to help keep you independent and reduce illness. Be aware of your body and mind. If you notice any changes such as feeling dizzy, pain, drowsy or depressed, please see your GP.

13. How many lollies in the jar?

14. Improve Your Health Check Your Medicines All medicines can cause side effects and these increase the more you take. Long-term use of medication, such as sleeping pills, will increase health risks.

15. Use an action plan during this session to write down tasks to remember to complete later

16. All medicines have effects; some of which are useful and some that may be negative Common negative side effects from medications that can lead to falls include: Dizziness Light-headedness or fainting, Drowsinessrowsiness Confusion Memory problems If you have any of these symptoms see your GP or pharmacist

17. How to avoid side effects and interactions; Make sure you regularly have your medicines checked by your GP or pharmacist Make sure you take your medication in the right dose and at the right time Make sure have an up to date list of your medications so you know what you are on to avoid double ups Only take your own medication and not other people’s

18. Medicines that affect your mood, behaviour, mental activity or perception Many older people suffer from poor sleep quality and may take sleeping pills These pills have adverse effects such as dizziness, loss of balance and disorientation Side effects far out way the benefits Check whether your sleeping pills are necessary with your GP and understand that withdrawal can be very gradual and there can be many benefits with withdrawing

19. Have a go at writing a medicine list! Which type suits you? If there is anything you are not sure about write this in your action plan to ask your GP or pharmacist

20. For more information visit the Stay On Your Feet® website at XXXX

21. References ABS. 2012. Accident, Injuries and Fatalities: Transport related deaths. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/1301.0~2012~Main%20Features~Accid ents,%20injuries%20and%20fatalities~189 ABS. 2010. Causes of death: Australia. http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/E39670183DE1B0D9CA2579C6000F7A4E/$Fil e/33030_2010.pdf AIHW: Bradley C 2013. Hospitalisations due to falls by older people, Australia 2009–10. Injury research and statistics series no. 70. Cat. No. INJCAT 146, Canberra: AIHW AIHW: Harrison, J (2012). Accidental falls the leading cause of injury hospitalisations in Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/media-release-detail/?id=10737422922 AIHW 2014. Hospitalised injuries in older Australians: 2011-12. Injury research and statistics series 90. Cat. no. INJCAT 166. Canberra: AIHW. AIHW 2012. Serious injury due to land transport accidents, Australia 2008-09. Injury research and statistics series no. 67. Cat. no. INJCAT 143. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 5 February 2015. Lord S, Sherrington C and Menz H (2007). Falls in Older People: Risk Factors and Strategies for Prevention. New York: Cambridge University Press.